VANDU - Genesis, Evolun, Org Struct, Activities - 2001.pdf

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A Case Study of Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU) study, with the hope that the strategies and lessons learned during the genesis and growth of VANDU can be applied in other cities where user groups are only now starting to mobilise. As the potential of these groups to reduce the harms associated with injection drugs is realized, these data may in turn be used to help organize a national network of user groups in Canada. Case Study Methodology The purpose of this case study was to document the genesis, evolution, organizational structure, and current activities of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU). In accordance with VANDU members’ demands that all projects offer them experience and training, we employed a community-based case study methodology to achieve these aims. Peer researchers worked with external researchers in gathering data using various methods and sources, including structured and unstructured interviews, organizational documents and records, educational materials (e.g., pamphlets), photographs, and participant observation. The case study report was then prepared by the external researchers and reviewed by the peer research team and several key informants who were interviewed during the data collection period. The Peer Research Team Prior to initiating the work of this project, it was agreed that VANDU members would participate in all phases of the project. After some discussion with the VANDU executive, it was agreed that a minimum of three members would be appointed by the VANDU board to work in partnership with the external researchers. The external researchers then attended a VANDU board meeting to describe the project and facilitate a discussion about how to establish a fair process for selecting the peer researchers. After some discussion, a group of approximately thirty-five members agreed that a subcommittee should be formed to interview all interested members. There was a great deal of interest in the project, and eventually four members were selected to participate in the project as peer researchers. 2
A Case Study of Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU) The peer researchers began meeting with the external researchers on a weekly basis to discuss the project methodology and the roles of the various members of the research team. Together the team (external and peer researchers) developed interview questions and identified people to be interviewed and relevant documents to be collected. As time progressed, group meetings were required less often, as peer researchers were busy conducting individual interviews and accumulating the necessary documentation. In the final phase of the project, the peer research team provided feedback on the first and all subsequent drafts of the case study document. Individual Interviews During an initial meeting, the research team agreed on the number of interviews that would be required and who should be targeted for interviews. It was agreed that two interviews would be required to gather data on the original genesis and evolution of VANDU, and that these interviews would involve two original VANDU founders. To gather information about the inner workings, governance structure, decision making, and activities of VANDU, two members of the VANDU executive, three current VANDU members, and one VANDU employee were interviewed. To gain insight into how VANDU contributes to community care and support, members of the research team interviewed two local service providers who work closely with VANDU in providing care and services to people who use drugs. To better understand VANDU’s advocacy work and its role in external policy development, two policy makers from the municipal and federal levels of government were interviewed. Finally, to understand VANDU’s role in larger funding schemes, a funder from a federal agency was interviewed. Because it was agreed that an impartial or external interviewer would be likely to elicit more candid responses from the policy makers, funders, and service providers, the external researchers conducted these interviews. All remaining interviews were conducted by peer researchers. In summary, the interviewees included: 3
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